The U.S. Census Bureau has begun its communications campaign to call attention to the 2020 Census with the focus “Shape your future. START HERE.” The Census Bureau is the federal government’s largest statistical agency that provides current facts and figures about America’s people, places and economy. The. U.S. Constitution requires that each decade a count or census be taken of America’s population for the purposes of reapportioning Congress, and to help determine how more than $675 billion in federal funds are distributed back to states and local communities like Pembroke Pines every year for services and infrastructure, including health care, jobs, schools, roads and businesses. Next year in 2020, new technology will make it easier than ever to respond to the census. For the first time, responses will be able to be made online, by phone and by mail. Data that the public has already provided will be used to reduce follow-up visits. The Census Bureau is required by law to protect any personal information collected and to keep it strictly confidential. It can only use answers to produce statistics. Answers cannot be used for law enforcement purposes or to determine personal eligibility for government benefits.The City of Pembroke Pines will be providing information regarding the 2020 Census and its importance to the community in the City Connect newspaper, via social media, Pines Media TV and the city’s website.